Mykel Williams 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Profile

The Chicago Bears could surprise some folks in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and select an edge rusher. Mykel Williams could be their guy.

We all know that the Bears had trouble rushing the passer last year. They weren’t successful in getting the opposing quarterback down with the players they had. Chicago needs to do some upgrading on the edge of their defensive line.

While many consider Penn State’s Abdul Carter the draft’s best defender, some feel that the second-best edge rusher in the draft is Georgia edge/outside linebacker Mykel Williams. Coming from a top-end program like Georgia means that Williams is just about pro-ready. He’s posed to shine immediately when he lands in the NFL with a team that likes his ability.

Measurables

Height-6’5”
Weight-260lbs
Arm Length-34 3/8 in
Hand Size-10 ¼ in
40 Yard Dash Time-4.77

Accolades

Freshman All-American 2022
Second-Team All-SEC 2024 & 2023

Player Introduction

Williams was born in Columbus, Georgia. He attended and played his high school football at Hardaway High School. He was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school and ended up at Georgia with the then highly rated Georgia Bulldogs. Williams managed to earn some playing time in his freshman year and took off after that.

Altogether, Williams played in a total of 40 games. He had 67 total tackles with 41 of those being solo. Williams was able to get to the quarterback 14 times for 119 yards in losses. He had 21.5 tackles for loss for a total of 134 yards. He also had three passes defended, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

Honestly, he’s a great athlete but needs some refinement. Williams is kind of all over the place in terms of where people think that he will go in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Strengths

What you notice most about Williams is that he is a very explosive athlete who gets a jump on blockers and, with some refinement, could make a ton of plays in the league. He gets off the line fast and can slam into blockers with power. Williams has great quickness and can get at the play from the backside as well as catch up with runners in a hurry. He’s able to shift and change direction quickly. Williams has great closing speed to sweep on in and make the play.

Strength is key for an NFL football player and Williams has some good strength even though he might need to fill his frame out more. He has great hands which are powerful and constantly moving to help keep blockers away from his body. He never stops moving and going, keeping his motor going until the whistle blows and the play is over. Williams is an instinctive pass rusher with some very nice rush moves. With some NFL coaching, he could end up being a very capable pass rusher.

Weaknesses

While there is a lot to like about Williams, there are a few things that he will need to work on. He will likely be pointed to the weight room and the dinner table because he could stand to fill in his frame. Experience is something that Williams will need to get as he doesn’t have a huge amount of it after having played in the very talented and plentiful Georgia Bulldog system. He could stand to shed blocks a little quicker and keep his pad level lower.

Finally, while he has a decent pass rush, he could stand to add some moves to his repertoire. Williams will need to learn a lot in the NFL to become a perennial all-pro. He does have the potential to be a future superstar.

Team Fits

It would appear as if Williams is going to be drafted very high in the draft. He could even be selected in the top ten of the 2025 NFL Draft if a team feels that it can overlook his need to develop a bit before becoming a top-end starter. The ideal team fit for Williams would be a team that runs a 4-3 defense. A couple of teams that come to mind include the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers.

Of course, the Chicago Bears could always utilize someone with William’s talents. Should he be available at number ten in the first round, the Bears just might consider adding him to a defense that promises to be a good one. With a little more filling out and some experience, he could be one of the best edge rushers in the draft and that would help the Bears immensely.

NFL Projection

The Bears may not see the need for Williams with their pick in the first round. He will be long gone by the time Chicago makes their pick in the second round. Look for Williams to be taken somewhere between 5 and 15 in the 2025 NFL Draft and make the team that drafts him very happy in a season or two. In the long run, he promises to be a star and a consistent Pro Bowl player.